Matthew Henry Complete Commentary
on the Whole Bible
Current Chapter:
Introduction
OF THE BOOK OF THE PROPHET
J O E L.
WE are altogether uncertain concerning the time
when this prophet prophesied; it is probable that it was about the same
time Amos prophesied, not for the reason that the rabbin give, "Because
Amos begins his prophecy with that wherewith Joel concludes his, The
Lord shall roar out of Zion," but for the reason Dr. Lightfoot
gives, "Because he speaks of the same judgments of locusts, and
drought, and fire, that Amos laments, which is an intimation that they
appeared about the same time, Amos in Israel and Joel in Judah. Hosea
and Obadiah prophesied about the same time; and it appears that Amos
prophesied in the says of Jeroboam, the second king of Israel,
Amos 7:10.
God sent a variety of prophets, that they might strengthen the hands
one of another, and that out of the mouth of two or three witnesses
every word might be established. In this prophecy,
I. The desolations made by hosts of noxious insects is described,
Joel 1:1-2:11
II. The people are hereupon called to repentance,
Joel 2:12-17
III. Promises are made of the return of mercy upon their repentance
(Joel 2:18-32),
and promises of the pouring out of the Spirit in the latter days.
IV. The cause of God's people is pleaded against their enemies, whom
God would in due time reckon with
(Joel 3:1-21);
and glorious things are spoken of the gospel--Jerusalem and of the
prosperity and perpetuity of it.